How to Stay Balanced During Bipolar Turbulences

Bipolar Disorder, also called manic depression, is marked by extreme mood swings from high to low and from low to high, or from depressive to mania and back again. Some people feel elated and depressed at the same time. It is a spectrum disorder in which a person suffering from the disorder may have mild symptoms with relatively little impact on their functionality, while others with severe symptoms experience an extensive disruption in their life.

Bipolar Disorder is often classified as –

1. Bipolar I – Bipolar I has periods of mania episodes lasting about a week, which is followed by depression lasting about two weeks.
2. Bipolar II – Bipolar II has periods of hypomania episodes lasting more than four days, which is followed by depression lasting about two weeks.
3. Cyclothymia – Cyclothymia has longer and mild periods of mania and depression more than two years.

Be aware that the periods of time during and between episodes may vary from person to person and the above is a general statement.

Symptoms and Signs of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorders’ symptoms and signs differ in pattern, severity, and frequency.

• Mania– It is characterized by heightened energy, elated or irritable moods, or creativity. In this, the person’s thoughts and speech are rapid and sleep is often disrupted. They may also feel powerful and invincible.
• Hypomania– The episodes are less intense and usually do not disrupt daily functioning, but the person might feel really energized, irritated, or elated.
• Depression- Periods of low mood, tearfulness, and lack of energy. The person may become excessively worried during these periods, might feel hopeless and suicidal at times.
• Mixed– This is characterized by both mania/hypomania and depressive episodes, being experienced at the same time.

As there is no specific cure for bipolar disorders. A long-term holistic approach is required to manage the symptoms. However, even after bipolar free years, a relapse can occur. Working on self-awareness and the ability to manage and monitor the symptoms and relapse signals becomes important for both the patient and his family.

To manage a balance between bipolar medication and therapy is the key. The goal of the treatment is to maintain a non-depressed, reasonable and positive mood. Medication can include mood stabilizers and anti-depressants.

The risk to patients and their families

Bipolar Disorder can have far reaching consequences. Manic periods can lead to disruption in daily functioning, insomnia, reckless behavior, and distraction in work. Severe mania episodes result in extreme exhaustion, argumentativeness, and irritability. With depressive periods, the patient feels hopeless and isolates themselves. They lose their confidence and become suicidal, leading them to use drugs and alcohol to cope with anxiety or out of reckless impulses.

Without proper treatment, the disorder can damage relationships, work life, cause financial problems, lead to drug abuse, and bring suicidal thoughts or actions.

Helpful techniques for managing bipolar disorder and maintaining the balance

1. Educate yourself about the disorder
2. Maintain a routine
3. Monitor your stress levels
4. Keep track of your mood and the things around you that affect your mood.
5. Make sure that you have people who you can turn to in need of support
6. Stay close to your family and friends so that you can talk to them about your experiences.

Like any other chronic condition, effectively managing bipolar disorder can maximize the quality of your life. Making healthy choices can help you significantly in keeping your symptoms under control, minimize the occurrence of mood episodes, and take control of your life.

Robert The author is a veteran from the field of Mental health, who works at BP Hope Magazine and is writing a lot of informative stuff since long.